While many of us look forward to the holiday season, for many in our community experience Christmas as a time of hopelessness and despair. The recent Oakville Vital Signs report shows that 8.6% of our community is dealing with poverty. That can make celebrating Christmas a big challenge.
Kerr Street Mission is holding its annual “Christmas Wonders and Beyond” campaign to bring cheer back into Christmas. The goal of this year’s campaign is to reach $350,000 to help those in our community who are struggling, whether they are families or individuals. To date, $95,000 has been donated.
“We are confident that hearts will be stirred and the folks of Oakville will help us reach our goal so that we can in turn help others,” says Agnes Stassen, Coordinator for the “Christmas Wonders and Beyond” program. She pioneered the program 13 years ago.
Here’s how financial support for “Christmas Wonders and Beyond” makes a difference in the community:
- $50 - Purchases 2 food gift cards for a family.
- $100 - Purchases a food card and a Christmas gift.
- $500 - Provides "Christmas in a Box" for a larger family
- $1500 - Provides "Christmas & Beyond" support for a struggling family for one year.
Beyond the gift cards, families are given a toy for each child, a box of fresh fruits and vegetable, and a turkey for their family along with a new pair of pyjamas for each child for Christmas morning.
Last year KSM was able to help more than 1,000 people through the “Christmas Wonders and Beyond” program. Some of them continue to use Kerr Street Mission’s services throughout the year. By providing $1500, donors can ensure that an individual receives food, programs and services for the entire year at KSM.
Gift cards, donated new toys, pajamas and other items will be sorted and handed out at Kerr Street Mission in the weeks leading up Christmas. You can donate online at Kerr Street Mission's "Christmas Wonders and Beyond".